Voter turnout lower than hoped

Clark County Elections Supervisor Cathie Garber was hoping at least 35 percent of the 251,835 registered voters in the county would return their ballots.

On Friday, only about 28 percent of voters had bothered to cast a vote.

A recent report by the Center for the Study of the American Electorate said the nation is expected to see the lowest midterm primary turnout in its history.

Although Tuesday’s primary didn’t generate any major surprises or upsets, there were some high-profile races, and some insight into who might be leading going into November.

Under Washington’s top-two system, the two candidates who garner the most votes, despite party, move on to the general election.

For the first time in more than two decades, voters will choose a new county sheriff. The race for 17th Legislative District, Position 1 is already shaping up to be very competitive. And voters will be asked to weigh in on who they would to represent them on the county commission.

The general election is Nov. 4.

Lauren Dake

Lauren Dake covers politics for The Columbian. You can reach her at 360-735-4534 or lauren.dake@columbian.com. Follow her on Twitter
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